Daily Operations Security Intern

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. 

Department: Safety & Security                                    

Supervisor: Director of Safety & Security                                                

This is a paid internship, paid bi-weekly.

Schedule and Duration: This position is approximately 20 hours per week, primarily scheduled Monday through Friday during operating business hours.

All interns must be available for a minimum of 10 weeks between June and August and participate in the required internship program sessions. These sessions are held every Wednesday for 3 hours and are included as part of your weekly schedule.

Position Summary: 

The Daily Operations Security Intern will explore the operational foundations of institutional safety and security while engaging in project-based work focused on risk mitigation and access control. This role provides meaningful exposure to physical security systems, operational documentation, and strategic risk management within a complex campus environment.The intern will analyze existing security practices, design data-informed recommendations, and collaborate with department leadership to strengthen access control procedures and long-term security planning.

The primary focus of this internship will be a campus-wide key and lock audit. Through this project, the intern will evaluate current access control systems and develop an actionable improvement plan that advances institutional goals related to security, accountability, and operational consistency.

Learning Outcomes:

Conduct a comprehensive inventory and assessment of campus keys and locks, identifying access levels, duplication risks, and potential security vulnerabilities

Develop a rekeying and lock-standardization action plan, including prioritization of high-risk and critical spaces

Evaluate current key distribution and control practices and recommend improvements to align access with job responsibilities and operational needs

Research and assess smart key or electronic key management systems, analyzing functionality, scalability, and high-level cost considerations

Prepare a concise summary report for Safety & Security leadership outlining findings, recommendations, and proposed next steps

Requirements:

Enrolled in a trade, degree, or certificate program at an accredited institution.

Available for a minimum of 10 weeks of in-person intern programming in Grand Rapids, MI.

Ability to commit to scheduled work hours and program requirements.

Strong interest in learning and professional development.

Interest in safety & security operations, risk management, facilities operations, or institutional compliance.

Coursework or interest in criminal justice, emergency management, facilities management, public administration, cybersecurity, or information systems.

Organizational Expectations

• Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
• Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
• Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
• Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.

Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance, and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds and frequently up to 50 pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions.

As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.